Senate Resolution 20

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF JACOBINA SEKUL GILICH AND EXPRESSING SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY UPON HER PASSING.

WHEREAS, Mrs. Jacobina "Jackie" Sekul Gilich departed this life on Tuesday, January 28, 2003; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Gilich was a native of Biloxi, Mississippi, and a lifetime parishioner of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cathedral in Biloxi; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Gilich was an astute businesswoman, who along with her husband, Andrew M. Gilich, had the foresight to open Biloxi's first supermarket, Foodland, in 1946; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Gilich was an energetic and caring person who was involved in all facets of her community; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Gilich was a charter member of the Altrusa Club, Notre Dame Mother's Club, a 55-year member of the Tuesday Coffee Club, Biloxi High School PTA, Nativity Elementary PTA, Biloxi High School and Sacred Heart Band Boosters, Biloxi Little Theatre, Metropolitan Dinner Club and Gulf Coast Symphony; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Gilich also served her community through the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors of the American Red Cross and as Chairman of the Harrison County March of Dimes; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Gilich was active in politics, campaigning for John F. Kennedy as Chairman of the Harrison County Ladies for Kennedy; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Gilich attended the Inauguration of Presidents John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard M. Nixon; and

WHEREAS, the legacy and memory of Mrs. Jacobina "Jackie" Sekul Gilich will live on in the lives of all who knew and loved her, especially her family; husband, Andrew M. Gilich; sons, Jim Wetzel, Stephen Wetzel and Andrew Gilich; daughters, Andrea G. Touart and Jaye Brice; sister, Claire Sekul Hornsby; 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the Senate of the State of Mississippi to recognize and commend such outstanding citizens as Mrs. Jacobina "Jackie" Sekul Gilich, whose contributions have bettered their communities and the state:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the life and contributions of Mrs. Jacobina Sekul Gilich and express our deepest sympathy to her family.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Mrs. Jacobina "Jackie" Sekul Gilich.